Scott elected as Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District
Green Party Councillor, Lourda Scott, was elected as Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District. Proposed by Cllr Stephen Stokes and seconded by Cllr Louise Fenelon Gaskin, Scott said she was "honoured" to take up the role for a second time. "I I want to sincerely thank my fellow councillors for their support. We’ve built a great working relationship during this first year of the council term and I’m looking forward to building on that in the year ahead.
The last time I was elected Cathaoirleach was during Covid. Every meeting I chaired apart from one, was online. It was definitely a unique experience that reflected the times we were in then.
Over the next 12 months, I want to use this opportunity is to shine a light on the incredible work of volunteers across our district. From Greystones, Delgany to Kilcoole, Newcastle and Killadreenan we’ve got people who give their time and energy, often under the radar, day in and day out. They keep clubs running. They organise events. They protect our environment. Our communities wouldn’t be what it is without them.
In particular I want to highlight our young people. They make up such a big part of our population and while we might often talk about them but we don’t always hear from them. That needs to change. I want to give them an opportunity to voice their ideas, because it’s their ideas that will help shape the future of the area. I want to extend an open invitation to all of the schools across the district for their student body to meet with me, so I can amplify their voices and needs.
Linked with this is the desperate need for expansion of community facilities. I know how valuable sporting and recreational spaces are to people. I will continue to work hard in this area and make it a priority of my term as Cathaoirleach.
A standing item on our meeting agenda is housing. This was brought in on my request and funding the outstanding repairs needed in Farankelly will be a key goal over my term.
Most of all, I want Greystones to be a place where everyone feels welcome. A place where everyone feels that they can play a part in shaping our community. I campaigned on a platform of inclusivity, and want to highlight the importance of equality and diversity. Right now we see these values at risk of being eroded, especially in public office. I pledge to bring these values with me into this role over the next year. "
